The Licensing Sub-Committee of Southwark Council met on Thursday 25 June 2026. The primary item scheduled for discussion was the potential revocation of a permanent trading licence at Pitch 35, North Cross Road, London SE22.

Revocation of Permanent Trading Licence at Pitch 35 North Cross Road, London SE22

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider the revocation of a permanent trading licence, MAR54101, held by Trader A at Pitch 35, North Cross Road, London SE22. The report pack indicated that this action was being considered due to an alleged serious breach of licence conditions on Saturday 4 April 2026. The allegations stated that Trader A behaved in an abusive and racially aggravated manner towards another trader, Trader B, using racially offensive language and engaging in threatening and aggressive behaviour.

The report outlined that markets established under Section 50 of the Food Act 1984 are subject to standard licence conditions. Appendix B of the licence conditions states that if the council considers a serious breach has occurred, the trader responsible may be required to attend a hearing, irrespective of any penalty point system. Furthermore, under the licence conditions, abusive or racist behaviour (BLC3) carries a penalty of court proceedings.

Markets and Street Trading received complaints from a member of the public and Trader B regarding the incident. An investigation involving interviews with Trader A, Trader B, and another witness, Trader C, identified a serious breach of licence conditions. Trader A was suspended with immediate effect on 17 April 2026 and was formally invited to attend this hearing. A further witness statement from Trader D was also received, corroborating the allegations.

The sub-committee was to consider options regarding the licence, which could include revocation, non-revocation, or the addition of special conditions. The report noted that if a licence is revoked, the vacancy would be advertised and a new licence granted according to council policy. The London Borough of Southwark Markets Policy, adopted on 20 June 2017, was referenced, which recognises the contribution of markets to the local economy and character of the area. The policy aims to maintain a balance of markets and ensure consistency in their operation.

The report also detailed the public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010, requiring the council to consider individuals with protected characteristics and to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. Health impacts were noted as not being a legal factor in decisions made under the Food Act 1984 Part III, and climate change was also not a factor in licence decisions. The cost of revocation was to be met by the service, with no fee for this application. Consultation was not required for this decision.

The Interim Director of Law and Governance advised that decisions on licensing policies and registration are reserved to the licensing committee. They also reiterated that traders trading on markets governed under the Food Act 1984 do not have a right of appeal at the magistrates' court but may challenge the decision via judicial review in the high court. The Strategic Director of Resources noted that any replacement traders would need to ensure no loss of income to the street trading account.

The report pack included appendices detailing the schedule of market locations in Southwark, the standard licence conditions for the Food Act 1984, and the Southwark Markets Policy. The audit trail indicated that John Wade, Head of Parking and Network Management, was the lead officer, and Hannah Lilley, Team Leader for Markets and Street Trading, was the report author.